Best Atmospheric Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated atmospheric games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free atmospheric games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Far Cry® 6
Enter the adrenaline-filled world of a modern-day guerrilla revolution. With stunning vistas, visceral gunplay, and a huge variety of gameplay experiences, there's never been a better time to join the fight.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
The sequel to the captivating tale of Fuga: Melodies of Steel has arrived! This turn-based RPG is back with a ramped up battle system for more strategy, as well as a brand new event system that gives you more thrilling choices to affect your experience!
Voidtrain
Become a crew member of an Interdimensional Express Train! Discover a new world full of mysterious creatures, enemies and places. Upgrade and customize your train, gather new materials and build better weapons. Play solo or online сo-op with up to 4 people.
Garten of Banban 3
Embrace the horrors of Banban’s Kindergarten. Delve even deeper into the depths of the establishment that was left suspiciously empty. Try to survive the unexpected residents and continue the search for your child…
HOW WE KNOW WE'RE ALIVE
HOW WE KNOW WE'RE ALIVE is an award winning, hour long melancholy, point-and-click narrative mystery set in the bible belt of Sweden.
REQUISITION VR
REQUISITION VR is a first physics-based co-op game where you can use duct tape to link any objects together to create a unique weapon. You can experiment with crafting, connecting any unthinkable combinations: a katana + a circular saw, or an axe + a ball. Inspired by Dead Rising & Walking Dead: S&S
Propagation: Paradise Hotel
Trapped inside the Paradise Hotel, you are desperate to find your sister. Explore dark surroundings, gather resources, and survive terrifying encounters. This intense single-player VR survival horror game with great storytelling will get your adrenaline pumping.
Room of Depression
"Same encounter, different world." Moon is a young woman who lives an ordinary city life as an office worker. However, because she suffers from depression, she reacts and deals with things in a way that is very different from regular city folk.
Showgunners
As a contestant on a high stakes reality game show of the future, you must survive a dangerous urban environment packed with traps, confounding puzzles, and heavily armed psychopaths. Turn-based combat in hand crafted levels, built for entertainment.
Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure
Staffer Case is a new sort of mystery game, asking players to find clues, arrange them into documents, and point out the contradictions between them to solve a series of murders. Each mystery unraveled leads you closer to the truth lying at the heart of each case!
Dino Trauma
Dino Trauma introduces you to a secret laboratory somewhere in eastern Europe where gore and dinosaurs aren't unusual things. Retro FPS inspired by the '90s legends.
STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™
The story of Cal Kestis continues in STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™, a galaxy-spanning, third-person, action-adventure game.
Paper Bride 4 Bound Love
"Paper Bride 4 Bound Love" is a Chinese horror puzzle game, the fourth work in the "Paper Bride" series. Welcome everyone to return to the world of Paper Bride. This time, let us uncover the secrets of Yichang Town together.
Bramble: The Mountain King
Bramble The Mountain King is a grim adventure set in a world inspired by dark, Nordic fables. Explore the beautiful yet dangerous and twisted land of Bramble in your endeavour to rescue your sister. Traverse a wondrous landscape and survive deadly encounters with Bramble's many hideous creatures.
Evil Dead: The Game
Step into the shoes of Ash Williams or his friends from the iconic Evil Dead franchise in a game loaded with over-the-top co-op & PVP multiplayer action! Play as a team of 4 survivors in a game inspired by all 3 original Evil Dead films as well as the Ash vs Evil Dead television series.
Strayed Lights
An atmospheric action adventure combining a wordless experience with cinematic fights based around colors. Restore your light that was torn by shadows and face endearing creatures deformed by their emotions.
SCP: Observer
SCP: Observer is a frightening experience in which you'll play the role of a maintenance engineer trapped inside a security room. Survive by managing the emergency power supply, monitoring the facility's camera system for threats and blocking the paths of oncoming horrors.
Amanda the Adventurer
Join Amanda and her pal Wooly on a series of adventures as they explore and learn about our wonderful world! With several NEW play-along, laugh-along, learn-along episodes there's always fun to be had! Just make sure to do everything Amanda says or she might get angry.
Total Conflict: Resistance
Total Conflict: Resistance is a unique symbiosis of global strategy, tactics and first-person action. Realistic mass battles, many types of armored vehicles, weapons, uniforms, unique mechanics, immersive free gameplay. Lead any state and bring it to greatness!
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly
Dust off your coffee machine and prepare your warmest smile to meet your customers again in the second episode of the much loved coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator; Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly.
Teslagrad 2
Lumina, a young Teslamancer, finds herself stranded after her airship crash lands in Wyrmheim, a remote and treacherous land to the North. Embark on a dangerous adventure, exploring a gigantic, abandoned tower looming over a fjordside valley, on a quest to get Lumina home and back to her family.
Cave Crawler
Cave Crawler is a short horror game where you pilot a drone into a cave and discover something horrible.
Mohism: Battle of Words
Mohism: Battle of Words is a detective game set in the world of wuxia. The game follows Zhang Xiaochen, investigates unsolved cases and comes into his own as a hero. He must rely on his wits and razor-sharp tongue to best his opponents, find the culprit and ensure justice prevails!
Rewind Or Die
There's a serial killer stalking your video store, and you just got called into work on your day off! Stock shelves, deal with customers and RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!Most played atmospheric games on Steam
Take a look at the top atmospheric games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 08th 2025.
1. Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone – or with friends – against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a open world, extraction shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Crytek. Released on August 27th 2019 has received 246,830 reviews of which 180,277 were positive and 66,553 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played atmospheric game, thanks to its 8,104 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.3
180,277
66,553
8,104
players
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a open world, rpg and story rich game developed and published by CD PROJEKT RED. Released on May 18th 2015 has received 829,157 reviews of which 797,036 were positive and 32,121 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 6,362 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.5
797,036
32,121
6,362
players
3. DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness! DARK SOULS™ III is a souls-like, dark fantasy and difficult game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by FromSoftware, Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 409,686 reviews of which 386,446 were positive and 23,240 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 6,199 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among atmospheric games based on player count.
9.3
386,446
23,240
6,199
players
4. The Long Dark
THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster. The Long Dark is a survival, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc.. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 111,358 reviews of which 100,856 were positive and 10,502 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,025 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.9
100,856
10,502
3,025
players
5. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl. Make your choices wisely, as they will determine your fate in the end. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a open world, fps and post-apocalyptic game developed by GSC Game World and published by GSC Game World (worldwide), SEGA (Japan) and 4divinity (China and South East Asia). Released on November 20th 2024 has received 111,487 reviews of which 90,084 were positive and 21,403 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,203 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
8.0
90,084
21,403
2,203
players
6. Metro 2033 Redux
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the Earth's surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age. The year is 2033. Metro 2033 Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 106,766 reviews of which 97,517 were positive and 9,249 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,512 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.0
97,517
9,249
1,512
players
7. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time? DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT is a story rich, open world and walking simulator game developed by KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS and published by 505 Games. Released on March 30th 2022 has received 37,810 reviews of which 35,128 were positive and 2,682 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,370 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.1
35,128
2,682
1,370
players
8. Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 41,499 reviews of which 39,052 were positive and 2,447 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,144 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
39,052
2,447
1,144
players
9. This War of Mine
In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle. This War of Mine is a survival, war and atmospheric game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 101,377 reviews of which 94,154 were positive and 7,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 585 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.2
94,154
7,223
585
players
10. SILENT HILL 2
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2. SILENT HILL 2 is a psychological horror, horror and survival horror game developed by Bloober Team SA and published by KONAMI. Released on October 07th 2024 has received 42,172 reviews of which 40,187 were positive and 1,985 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 447 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played atmospheric games.
9.4
40,187
1,985
447
players
Best deals on atmospheric games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of atmospheric games available on Steam right now, updated on May 08th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted atmospheric games.
1. Terraformers
Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one! Terraformers is a simulation, procedural generation and survival game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 3,239 reviews of which 2,858 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for atmospheric category.
8.5
2,858
381
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Morkredd
Morkredd is a tense, physics-based co-op puzzle game for one to two players combining skill-based puzzle-solving, a challenging balance of light and shadow, and a dark world full of secrets to unlock. Morkredd is a physics, puzzle and local co-op game developed and published by Hyper Games. Released on December 10th 2020 has received 468 reviews of which 374 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in atmospheric games.
7.5
374
94
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot… The Gunk is a action-adventure, atmospheric and sci-fi game developed by Image & Form Games and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 2,664 reviews of which 2,289 were positive and 375 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in atmospheric games.
8.3
2,289
375
-94%
25.67€
1.54€
4. Steelrising
Paris, 1789. The French Revolution has been suppressed with bloodshed by Louis XVI and his merciless mechanical army. Aegis, a mysterious automaton masterpiece, must confront the king's army alone to save history in this challenging action-RPG. Steelrising is a souls-like, atmospheric and action game developed by Spiders and published by Nacon. Released on September 08th 2022 has received 5,329 reviews of which 3,884 were positive and 1,445 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.1
3,884
1,445
-94%
52.83€
3.17€
5. Pathologic 2
Pathologic 2 is a groundbreaking open-world horror RPG. Resist the plague. Make medicine. Heal people. Perform an autopsy. Trade to get what you need. Fight and kill if necessary. Survive. Struggle with an outbreak in a secluded rural town that is rapidly turning into hell. Pathologic 2 is a story rich, atmospheric and choices matter game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and published by tinyBuild. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 10,840 reviews of which 9,961 were positive and 879 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.9
9,961
879
-93%
34.43€
2.41€
6. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales
The Bookwalker is a narrative adventure in which you play as Etienne Quist, a writer-turned-thief with the ability to dive into books. Use your powers to journey between reality and book worlds, and steal legendary items like Thor's Hammer and Excalibur to restore your ability to write. The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales is a adventure, singleplayer and atmospheric game developed by DO MY BEST and published by tinyBuild. Released on June 22nd 2023 has received 2,100 reviews of which 1,938 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,938
162
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. A Juggler's Tale
Lead Abby the string puppet through a bruised, but beautiful fairy tale world in this cinematic adventure. Solve riddles, evade traps and shake off pursuers on the way to find freedom. Can Abby take control of her fate with all the strings attached? A Juggler's Tale is a atmospheric, fantasy and story rich game developed by kaleidoscube and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on September 29th 2021 has received 1,785 reviews of which 1,649 were positive and 136 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
8.8
1,649
136
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Ad Infinitum
When reality is a nightmare, nightmares become real. In this psychological horror game, you fight the terrifying creatures invading your mind. Can you save your sanity? Ad Infinitum is a horror, action and psychological horror game developed by Hekate and published by Nacon. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 891 reviews of which 719 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
7.7
719
172
-93%
32.71€
2.29€
9. Astral Ascent
Choose one of four heroes and explore the Garden, an astral prison guarded by 12 powerful mystical bosses: the Zodiacs. Challenge them with dozens of unique spells and faithful friends by your side to unfold the story of this platform roguelite with lightning fast combat. Astral Ascent is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and hack and slash game developed by Hibernian Workshop and published by Hibernian Workshop, MP2 Games and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on November 14th 2023 has received 6,614 reviews of which 6,267 were positive and 347 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.2
6,267
347
-92%
25.13€
2.01€
10. Metro 2033 Redux
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the Earth's surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age. The year is 2033. Metro 2033 Redux is a post-apocalyptic, fps and atmospheric game developed by 4A Games and published by Deep Silver. Released on August 27th 2014 has received 106,766 reviews of which 97,517 were positive and 9,249 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for atmospheric games.
9.0
97,517
9,249
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
Free atmospheric games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play atmospheric games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 08th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play atmospheric games.
1. The Mr. Rabbit Magic Show
The incredible Mr. Rabbit invites you all to a mysterious magic show! Celebrate 10 years of Rusty Lake with a new free-to-play point-and-click adventure that promises to delight and… shock you with its sleight of hand! The Mr. Rabbit Magic Show is a adventure, escape room and point & click game developed and published by Rusty Lake. Released on April 30th 2025 has received 1,816 reviews of which 1,795 were positive and 21 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 314 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
1,795
21
314
players
2. Phobies
Phobies is a tactical card collecting strategy game where players battle one another in the surreal realm of the subconscious, where fears manifest. Use devious tactics and unleash a dazzling array of attacks and abilities to achieve victory! Phobies is a atmospheric, dark fantasy and dark humor game developed by Smoking Gun Interactive Inc. and published by Phobies Holdings Inc.. Released on March 07th 2022 has received 1,159 reviews of which 1,011 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.3
1,011
148
41
players
3. Chill Corner
This is just an idle game for chilling, relaxing or focusing. Chill Corner is a relaxing, free to play and atmospheric game developed and published by Low-Hi Tech. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 9,505 reviews of which 8,639 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
8,639
866
39
players
4. projectM Music Visualizer
Experience psychedelic and mesmerizing visuals by transforming music into equations that render into a limitless array of user-contributed visualizations. projectM Music Visualizer is a colorful, simulation and music game developed and published by projectM. Released on July 26th 2020 has received 390 reviews of which 373 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
8.8
373
17
23
players
5. The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 9 year old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Captain Spirit is a free demo set in the Life is Strange universe. Contains links to Life is Strange 2 The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit is a free to play, story rich and adventure game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Square Enix. Released on June 25th 2018 has received 14,211 reviews of which 13,180 were positive and 1,031 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
13,180
1,031
18
players
6. Tales of Rein Ravine
Tales of Rein Ravine is an indie horse game that aims to challenge its players with unique real-life inspired riding, as well as tell an intriguing equestrian story to a young adult audience. Tales of Rein Ravine is a horses, singleplayer and female protagonist game developed and published by Maia the Horsegirl. Released on October 11th 2024 has received 860 reviews of which 713 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
7.9
713
147
18
players
7. BABBDI
Find your way out of BABBDI. A short, first person exploration experience. BABBDI is a exploration, atmospheric and walking simulator game developed by Sirius Lemaitre and Leonard Lemaitre and published by Lemaitre Bros. Released on December 22nd 2022 has received 6,309 reviews of which 6,169 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
6,169
140
12
players
![[Nightmare Files] Clap Clap](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/2933290/header.jpg)
8. [Nightmare Files] Clap Clap
Clap Clap is a short indie horror game that puts you in the shoes of a house sitter, experiencing strange occurrences in a seemingly ordinary home. [Nightmare Files] Clap Clap is a horror, free to play and adventure game developed and published by Raycastly. Released on June 03rd 2024 has received 4,146 reviews of which 3,982 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.2
3,982
164
11
players
9. Rental
Rental is a short and spooky adventure game about the dangers of renting a house in an unknown place. Rental is a horror, free to play and exploration game developed by Lonely House and published by Animita Project and Astrolabe Games. Released on March 07th 2024 has received 4,489 reviews of which 4,175 were positive and 314 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.0
4,175
314
5
players
10. The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret. The Children of Clay is a horror, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by Balazs Ronyai. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,425 reviews of which 1,413 were positive and 12 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free atmospheric games on Steam.
9.4
1,413
12
4
players